Crosswalks

My last few entries have basically been cheating.  I uploaded a slew of vacation eye candy and called it writing.  So today, I thought I'd actually stop and do a bit of reflecting.

A crosswalk in Shinjuku that I've walked many times

I've been feeling a bit somber serious lately.  I'm realizing that we only have six months left before it's time to come home.  Don't get me wrong- I'll be thrilled to actually do it!  Being away from family, friends, and familiarity have been harder than I could have ever imagined.  But the thing is, we have a lot left to do.  Is anyone having deja vu?  It's possible I've typed similar words before.  So, what are all these things to do?  Just plan a wedding, practice Chinese, get in shape, have interesting Japanese cultural experiences, and figure out what I want to do with my life.  Nothing major.  In case it wasn't clear, I'm still working on most of that list.  So where does that leave me?  At a crosswalk.

Tiny crosswalk on Shibuya back street

Allow me to tell you about crosswalks in Tokyo.  They come in all sizes, but usually they are huge and intimidating.  Crossing can sometimes feel like a bad game of Red Rover.  Don't even get me started on crossing when it's raining.  Let's just say that I have an eye phobia, and all those umbrellas at face level are b-a-d.  Regardless of the usual chaos that ensues when it's time to cross, the time just before crossing is actually quite peaceful.  You see, the concept of jaywalking or doesn't exist here.  Maybe it has something to do with the overall conformity of the culture, but it just isn't done.  The few times that some crazy foreigner (me) does step out before the light changes, are rare and usually frowned upon.  Even though a zillion people are all waiting to run for it, that's just it- they are all waiting patiently.  No one is pushing or pulling- they all just wait for the right time to make their move.  Once the light changes, all hell breaks loose.
So what does this have to do with me?  I guess I'm approaching a major intersection.  I'm not exactly sure which way to walk yet, but I know I'm going somewhere.  As I go along, I just have to learn to wait patiently until it's my turn.  While my frazzled, stressed, type-A personality might be pushing me to hurry up and cross, I know I don't have to just yet.  But when that light changes?  I'm going to run for it!